Oct 4, 2010

I Got Lucky!

Hey, get your mind on stitching! Last month, I visited a couple of thrift stores in search of a frame for Gentle Menagerie. Here's what I found:


B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L, isn't it? OK, maybe it's a little 80's-ish. Maybe the gold frame is a bit much for a bunch of animals stacked on each other. But HEY! It's got potential, right? Right.

If you have never tried furniture refinisher, let me tell you... It's AWESOME! It removes oil-based finishes (including shellac, lacquer and some varnishes) while retaining the character of the wood. I've used strippers which are messy and take a good bit of time to clean the old finishes off furniture. Refinisher is SO much faster and easier!

The manufacturer says it doesn't take off paint, but I have to disagree... It took the gold paint finish off the frame. If you thought the gold finish was bad, the wood frame underneath was even worse. Talk about UGLY wood, crappy terrible workmanship. A little sanding, and a few coats of stain... Good as new, for a small fraction of the price of a new frame!

Some of you may know that I cut my own mats and do the framing myself as well. I wanted to do something a little different with the mat this time. Instead of having the squared corners, I wanted to angle them. Talk about tricky stuff! I spent quite a few hours on Saturday night doing practice cuts on mat board. Went to bed a little discouraged, but woke up in the middle of the night with an epiphany! Literally. I got up and put my idea to work... squares, I needed to make squares!


I was so excited when my idea worked.. perfectly, I may add! *big huge grin* Without further adieu, let me present....

Design: Gentle Menagerie
Designer: Diane Brakefield
Magazine: Cross Stitch & Country Crafts, Mar-Apr 1991
Fabric: 16ct White Aida
Fibers: DMC, Kreinik
Started: July 5, 2010
Finished: September 4, 2010
Framed: October 4, 2010

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Really like the Gentle Menagerie. Great job on the framing!

Hilary
New Jersey

Mary said...

Great job on the framing and Gentle Menagerie! And thanks for the good info about furniture refinisher. Hugs!
Mary

Sandy P said...

Wow I'm impressed, wish you could do all mine! It's beautiful.
Sandy P.

Vicky said...

Wow I must have missed this post. The Gentle Menagerie is fabulous framed.

Sadie said...

GM looks wonderful Meari! You did an amazing job on framing/matting/refinishing :-) and the stitching too of course.
Fingers crossed for your results and I hope that the work merger does not cause too much upheaval.

Berly said...

Wow, that came out beautiful, Meari! Job well done!

Kathy A. said...

That is amazing hon. Who would ever believe it's original use. Will have to watch out for that particular furnisture refinisher. Have a child's rocking chair ot refinish.

Bette said...

What a fantastic framing job! I wish I was as talented as you are in that area.

Carol said...

Meari--your framing is amazing! I am seriously impressed with your mat-cutting abilities. The end result is so professional-looking and very lovely!

Mary Ivancicts said...

You are so talented...Beautiful as always

Anonymous said...

Meari,
You always impress me because your so versatile. You can take an old gold looking frame and turn it into a beautiful new looking one. I love your finish on the Gentle menagerie. The mats you made are awesome. Is there anything you can't do? I admire you for all the things you can accomplish. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Awesome Job! Can I send you all my finishes to frame??? LOL Just kidding! It would take up all your stitching time, believe you me! Someday....someday! Beautiful, Meari!
Robin Ingle

Jennifer said...

Wow!!! What an AWESOME job on the framing - it looks so professional.

angel parker said...

what an amazing job Meari! Love the finished piece, mat and frame included!

Blu said...

Wow! Amazing job with the framing! The Menagerie looks great!

Man, are you ever an amazing DIY framer!

Shari said...

very nice Meari,
how did I miss this post?!?! Who knows! Love how your frame & mats turned out! Great job!

Nancy M said...

Great matting job. I always have to have mine cut. The colors look great. My co-workers daughter in Il is having a baby in the winter, maybe I can sneak in a weekend visit sometime.

chrisstitches said...

Love the finished project & frame....great job.
Also, my SIL has 3 boxes of floss wrapped around little cardboards in numerical order so I borrow when I need some.
chris b.
ccs

CJ said...

Meari -

We have lots in common. I have a mat cutter as well, although mine has not seen the light of day since we moved her 5 years ago. I really need a craft room.

CJ

EvalinaMaria said...

Wow, you are so talented Meari!!! Congrats on the beautiful finish!

Anne Sans Tete said...

That looks so fantastic, Meari! I wish I were half as creative as you are!

- Lisa N.

Katrien said...

GM looks amazing!

The Teacup Cottage said...

Great job!

Shelley said...

You are awesome!! Gentle Menagerie looks fantastic!!

Terri said...

That looks amazing I love it :)